Another protest has taken place outside the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church offices, roughly one week after a previous demonstration, as frustration continues to grow among faithful demanding clarity from diocesan leadership.
The latest gathering comes amid heightened tensions tied to a widening split inside the Armenian Church world—between voices aligned with the Western Diocese’s current leadership under Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and those insisting on clear loyalty to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and His Holiness the Catholicos. For many in the community, the issue has moved beyond internal disagreements and into a public test of legitimacy, accountability, and obedience to the Church’s highest spiritual authority.
The message from participants was consistent: silence is unacceptable, ambiguity fuels distrust, and the Diocese must publicly state where it stands. Protesters say they intend to keep mobilizing until church leadership addresses the community directly and restores confidence through clear, transparent communication.
